Postage estimator and ruler

ABSTRACT

A construction for a postage estimating device and ruler which can be fashioned in one piece without complicated moving parts and will estimate with acceptable accuracy, the amount of postage required on letters and small parcels of varying size and shape and does not require that letters to be weighed are of a predetermined or standard size envelope, as is the case with some similar devices. The construction consists of a ruler, or the like, upon which has been positioned; a fulcrum with flattened point, near the center or balance point of the ruler. Upon the arm of the ruler to the left of the fulcrum, a scale or digram is positioned, with equal distance gradations from zero to seven to the right and zero to seven to the left of a balance point. Upon the ruler to the right of the fulcrum, a slot with open end is carved, to receive a five cents coin, which coin or coins is used as a weight.

United States Patent 1191 Mills Jan. 22, 1974 POSTAGE ESTIMATOR AND RULER [76] Inventor: Warren L. Mills, 5742 Maryland Ave., Chicago, 111. 60637 22 Filed: May 18,1972

21 Appl. No. 254,622

[52] US. Cl. 177/245, 177/250 [51] Int. Cl G0lg 21/14 [58] Field of Search 177/126, 127, 235, 245, 246,

177/250, 251, 264, DIG. 9

Primary Examiner-George H. Miller, Jr.

[57 ABSTRACT A construction for a postage estimating device and ruler which can be fashioned in one piece without complicated moving parts and will estimate with acceptable accuracy, the amount of postage required on letters and small parcels of varying size and shape and does not require that letters to be weighed are of a predetermined or standard size envelope, as is the case with some similar devices. The construction consists of a ruler, or the like, upon which has been positioned; a fulcrum with flattened point, near the center or balance point of the ruler. Upon the arm of the ruler to the left of the fulcrum, a scale or digram is positioned, with equal distance gradations from zero to seven to the right and zero to seven to the left of a balance point. Upon the ruler to the right of the fulcrum, a slot with open end is carved, to receive a five cents coin, which coin or coins is used as a weight.

1 Claim, 2 Drawing Figures 1 POSTAGE ESTIMATOR AND RULER This invention relates to postage scales or weighing devices, and more particularly to scales combined with measuring devices, such as the ordinary desk ruler, letter openers, desk knives and the like.

A main object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved postage scale or estimator which involves a minimum of relatively simple components, which is inexpensive to fabricate and which estimates postage required on small parcels and letters more accurately than previously known similar devices.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved postage scale which makes use of inexpensive materials, which is durable and which can be mass produced at very low cost.

A further object of the invention is to provide a means of positioning letters and small parcels of various sizes and widths, in such a way as to maintain the same relationship between the fulcrum and the small parcel or letter being weighed.

Further objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description and claims, and from the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top view of the reverse side of the ruler 1, showing placement of the scale 4, indicating gradation lines from to 7 to the right and 0 to 7 to the left and, location of fulcrum 2, with flattened point 3, and slot into which a 5-cents coin will fit.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the ruler postage estimator 6,

placed upon the table 7, with letter 8, placed upon the device with its center directly over point 0 on the scale. This is accomplished by placing the letter so that the same figures appear on both sides of the letter, as indicated by numbers 11 and 12. When the letter 8 is so placed, the device will tilt and touch the table 7 at point 10. Five cents coins are placed in the slot 5. until the device tilts over to point 9, FIG. 2. and touches the table at that point. The number of coins required to effect this tilt is the number of ounces of postage required to dispatch the letter in the mail.

While a specific embodiment of an improved postage scale or estimator construction has been disclosed in the foregoing description, it will be understood that various modifications within the spirit of the invention may occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that no limitations be placed on the invention except as defined by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A postage estimator and ruler for weighing small parcels and letters, comprising a fulcrum; the point of which is flattened and, to the left of which is positioned a scale design with gradations from a balance point 0 to 7 to the right and from 0 to 7 to the left while, upon the opposite or right arm of the fulcrum is carved a slot with opened end into which a five cents coin will fit. 

1. A postage estimator and ruler for weighing small parcels and letters, comprising a fulcrum; the point of which is flattened and, to the left of which is positioned a scale design with gradations From a balance point 0 to 7 to the right and from 0 to 7 to the left while, upon the opposite or right arm of the fulcrum is carved a slot with opened end into which a five cents coin will fit. 